East Midlands Counties - Premier Division - 21/08/10

Radcliffe Olympic 0 v 1 Ibstock United

After winning their first two matches away from home, Radcliffe Olympic came down to earth with a bump as they were defeated 1-0 at the rain swept Recreation Ground by Ibstock United.

Despite the visitors coming into the game on the back of two defeats in which they were beaten by three goals; Radcliffe knew they were going to be in for a tough encounter as they were without six of last week's starting eleven due to unavailability or injury. Phil Massingham, Ash Brandy, Kevin Waddley, Aaron Korol, Danny Blanchard, and Josh Royce figured in the starting line up for the first time this season with Stefan Dalmedo and Chris Marshall on the bench.

Radcliffe looked bright in the early stages of the game and had several good opportunities to opening the scoring in the first half in which they dominated. After Ibstock failed to clear Tom Maddison's corner James Spence looked certain to score, only for his close range shot to clear the bar. Phil Massingham supported by Royce up front looked dangerous as twice he went close to scoring after beating two defenders, but on each occasion fired narrowly wide. Royce latched onto Massingham's header to fire a fierce drive goal wards, only to be denied by Stephen Fowkes the Ibstock keeper who tipped the ball over the bar. Spence met Maddison's corner at the near post to send his header flashing across the goal before a spell of neat passing created a great chance for Massingham, but with only the keeper to beat Fowkes rushed off his line to save with feet.

It took until the 27th minute before Ibstock created their first meaningful effort on goal when Chris Lewis saw his well struck shot clear the bar. Radcliffe resumed their attacks as Ash Miles stormed forward from the half way line to cross for Royce who’s near post shot was kept out by another fine save by Fowkes before the Ibstock defence scrambled a telling cross from Danny Blanchard away.

Half Time: 0-0

Immediately after the break, James Mountain the Radcliffe keeper required attention following a clash with Rob Louca. When play resumed, Radcliffe continued to press forward as Fowkes was swiftly off his line to clear the danger from Royce. Massingham showed great skill as he tricked his way past two defenders before his shot just curled past the far post. Massingham came within inches of meeting Blanchard's low cross which reached Waddley; his shot was blocked before rebounding to Maddison whose shot from the edge of the area was also closed down. Miles went on another surging run that took him into the Ibstock area before his low goal bound shot was deflected for a corner.

Maddison was replaced by Stefan Dalmedo who was straight into the action as he fired over from the edge of the area before Ibstock broke the deadlock with a goal against the run of play on 84 minutes. The ball was worked down the right before being played into Louca on the right hand edge of the box; he turned to send a low shot that squeezed just inside the post. Radcliffe rallied as they worked the ball well down the left to create an opening for Dalmedo whose fierce shot was well saved by the Fowkes at the foot of his near post. In added time a sweeping Radcliffe move ended with Massingham's glancing header flashing past the post before the sound of the final whistle.

Full Time: 0-1

Radcliffe were unfortunate not to take something from this game; they certainly created enough chances to do so, but were denied by some poor finishing and a series of fine saves by Fowkes in the Ibstock goal. The team will now need to regroup and focus on their FA Cup tie at home to Wisbech Town this Saturday in which they will be hoping for the full support of the village to take them through to the next round. Providing the Cup match is not drawn (in which case there will be a replay on Tuesday) they will face Greenwood Meadows at home on the Bank Holiday Monday (K.O.3.00 pm).

Report by John Watts

Radcliffe Olympic: J Mountain, A Miles, A Brandy, W Spencer, J Spence, T Maddison (S Dalmedo), A Waddley, A Korol, P Massingham, J Royce, D Blanchard.

Subs (not used): C Marshall.

Ibstock United: S Fowkes, J Ward, L Chamberlain, M Neill, J Brown, J Murray, M Chamberlain, L Barton (S Clarke), R Louca, C Leonard (K Lock), C Lewis.

Subs (not used): D Smith.

Referee: J Dixon. Assistants: S Ball, T Day.

Radcliffe Olympic Reserves face their first game of the season when they face Gedling South Bank at home this Wednesday (K.O. 7.30pm).